How to Grow Erica Carnea

Winter heath is native to the British Isles.

Erica carnea, also known as winter heath, spring heath or heather, is a slow-growing, sun-loving evergreen ground cover. Depending on the variety, winter heath reaches heights of 5 to 12 inches at maturity. Late winter or early spring blooms color the landscape with shades of pink, red and white, and foliage varies from bluish-green to yellow or silver. Winter heath, suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, thrives in poor soil. Once established, the plant requires virtually no care.

1

Water the plant carefully and consistently. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never allow the soil to become soggy or completely dry.

2

Spread a 1-inch layer of fine compost around the plant every fall, which provides nutrients and conserves moisture. If the foliage fades and loses color, feed the plant in early spring. Use an acid-based liquid or granular fertilizer, as winter heath prefers acidic soil. Mix a light solution according to the directions on the label.

3

Remove faded flower spikes with hand pruners or garden shears. Limit trimming to faded spikes only, as pruning to bare wood may prevent blooms from developing the following year.

Things You Will Need

Fine compost

Acid-based fertilizer

Hand pruners or garden shears

Tip

Winter heath is easily propagated by a simple layering technique. Bend the branch of a healthy plant to the ground, then use a trowel to loosen the soil where the branch touches. Attach the branch to the ground with a heavy rock or a piece of wire. Allow about a year for the branch to take root, and then sever the branch from the parent plant. Dig the newly rooted winter heath and plant it in its new home.

About the Author

M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.